Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program

Class of 2026 application opens on January 2nd. Check back here to access the live application or fill out the Interest Form to be notified when the application opens. Click here to view form.  

Are you passionate about Zero Waste? Are you ready to learn more about reducing waste, diverting food scraps from the landfill, recycling right, and then educating and inspiring others so they can make a difference too? If you answered yes, then the City of Santa Cruz's Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program is for you.

Over eight sessions (six Tuesdays and two Saturdays), you'll learn why recycling is so much more than a triangle and a blue bin. You'll learn new strategies to reduce waste and why it is imperative we get food waste out of the landfill. To help in your planning and making the commitment, class dates and times are:

2/10/26,  2/14/26,  2/17/26,  2/24/26,  2/28/26,  3/3/26,  3/10/26,  3/17/26

Advanced application and confirmation of registration is required. Applications for the class of 2026 open on Friday January 2nd, 2026. Space is limited; priority consideration will be given to people who reside or work within the City of Santa Cruz. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Note: Class session material, announcements, and message board will be shared using the online private and virtual platform, Discord. Invitations to join will be extended to participants prior to the first class. After the training, volunteers are asked to commit to 20 hours of volunteer time in the first year.  

Printable Program Brochure(PDF, 6MB)